Hey there, Pet People!
Ok ok, we have Black Friday on the mind - but this also has us thinking about the joy of cooking (and eating) on Thanksgiving and how we are going to use up those inevitable leftovers. Today, we're diving into a kitchen hack that not only helps to gobble up leftovers, but also amps up your dog's nutrition game. Picture your future self (and by future I mean in 11 days) you've got those leftover turkey bones, and instead of tossing them, you turn them into a canine culinary masterpiece.
The Freezer Magic: Baggin' Those Bones
Some of you all-stars may go straight into cooking the day after Thanksgiving, and if that's you - skip a head to the next paragraph. But for those of us who need a break, listen up - this is a game-changer. Grab yourself a gallon zip-top bag and toss leftover turkey, chicken or meat bones in the bag and pop it in the freezer. Continue to add bones and raw veggie scraps to it until it's full. Think of it as building a flavor bank for your pup – trust me, they're gonna thank you for this later.
The How-To: From Freezer to Bowl
When your bag is bursting with bones and you're ready to coddle a large pot of simmering broth - empty the frozen contents of the bag into a dutch oven and fill it up with water, it's time to get cooking. Bring it to a boil then simmer on low for 6-8 hours, adding water from time to time as the liquid reduces.
When the broth has nice brown color and the contents inside look wilted, use a fine mesh handled strainer to pull out the large bones and veggies.
Then, place a larger fine mesh strainer over a stainless steel or glass bowl and pour the liquid into it - letting the strainer sieve the remaining contents.
Voila! You are left with a hearty broth that's not just delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. Save the broth in large mason jars leaving 2-3 inches of airspace at the top, then sealed tight. The broth will keep for 5 days in the fridge and up to 12 months in the freezer.
The Benies: Liquid Gold
When you whip up a broth from those saved bones, you're serving your dog a bowl full of goodness. Bone broth is loaded with nutrients like glucosamine and collagen, which are fantastic for joint health and that glossy coat every pup parent dreams of.
Love in a (Dog) Bowl
Now, here's the fun part – watching your doggo go bonkers for this homemade creation. Drizzle that liquid gold over their kibble, mix it into their food – whatever floats their furry boat. It's like serving them a gourmet meal, and they'll be wagging their tails in approval.
The Bottom Line
So, why bother with this kitchen caper? Well, it's a win-win! You're cutting down on waste, making the most out of your ingredients, and giving your fur baby a boost in the health department. It's a simple yet impactful way to show your dog some extra love.
Hope you enjoyed this kitchen tip straight from yours truly, KIKI. Humble FÜZI Founder and aspiring home chef. 🧡🐕✨